Myofascial Release

Myo refers to muscles, and fascia is the connective tissue that bind muscles, bones, and organs together. Fascia connects and covers all parts of the body in a strong, fibrous sheeting, but it also plays a primary role in healing from injury. We are only just beginning to understand the role and importance of fascia in the body.

What Makes it Different?

Myofascial Release, is a massage technique that engages both the muscular and the fascia systems, it can be achieved through massage with the therapist, or through the use of foam rollers. Typically, Swedish massage (a very commonly used technique) works the muscles of the body, helping to relax and return the muscles to their natural lengthened state. But what if a person has chronic stress, combined with shortened muscle fibres, or has a long-standing injury that has healed with limited range of motion? In a case like this, the fascia is likely to be dense and immovable, and therefore the muscles can only relax as far as the fascia will allow. Swedish massage can help the aid relaxation and blood flow to the impacted area, but the underlying issues remain unaddressed. Myofascial Release is one way that a therapist can help break up the fascial fibres that limit range of motion.

A Typical Session

A typical Myofascial Release session would consist of a therapist focusing on and around the affected area of the body. Using a slow, light-to-medium pressure, without lotion or oil, the therapist will hold and stretch the restricted area. The fascial fibres respond only to slow, gentle, and even pressure, and as such, to be effective the therapist must find a comfortable and effective “hold” in order to induce changes in the fascia. It takes at least three to five minutes in a hold before effective changes occur, on occasions the same stretch can be held for up to 20 minutes.

How does it feel?

If you are expecting a relaxing massage, you may be disappointed. Whilst it can seem like a lighter treatment than Swedish or Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release can reach down to deeper structures than it may seem. It is important to remember, the fascia connects every part of the body, so it is common to experience tingling or tugging in other parts of the body than the part that the therapist is working. This feeling indicates that a restriction has been found and engaged, and with persistence and patience, significant change can be achieved. See all of our Massage Products